A smooth install starts days before the truck shows up. Most failed installs trace back to missing power, weak signal, or a site that was never truly ready. The fix is simple: confirm a few non-negotiables, get photos, and bring the right parts. If you want a one-pager you can send to every location, contact the ATMTrader team and we will share a printable checklist.
What makes a site truly install-ready?
Pick a spot with strong foot traffic, clear sightlines, and easy approach space. The base must be level and sturdy, with enough room to open the safe and service the cabinet without moving the unit. Avoid door swings, tight corners, and areas that block carts during restocking. Confirm the merchant is okay with anchors in concrete or a steel plate if needed. For a fast site review using photos and measurements, call our team.
What power do I need and where should the outlet be?
Use a dedicated, grounded 120V AC circuit on a 15A breaker within a short reach of the machine. Test the outlet with a simple polarity tester and avoid extension cords. Add a quality surge protector, and if the store has frequent flickers, consider a small UPS so the ATM can shut down cleanly. Label the breaker so staff do not kill power by accident. If you want a power spec sheet you can hand to the landlord or electrician, contact the ATMTrader team.
How should I plan connectivity before I roll the ATM in?
Decide wired or wireless at least a week in advance. For wired, confirm an active Ethernet drop that reaches the ATM spot and that the merchant’s firewall allows your processor traffic. For wireless, verify carrier coverage at the exact spot, not just the zip code, and bring a tested LTE router and SIM. Place the router high and clear of metal to improve signal and run a simple ping test. For a model-matched connectivity kit and setup notes, contact ATMTrader support.
Do I need a static IP or any special firewall rules?
Most processors work fine with DHCP behind NAT, but some merchants lock outbound traffic. Ask their IT to allow outbound connections for your processor and keep-alive pings. If a static IP is required for monitoring, request it before install and label the router. Keep a backup path, such as a wireless failover, if the store network is fragile. If you want a one-page email you can send to the merchant’s IT with the exact asks, call our team.
What measurements should I confirm for delivery and mounting?
Measure every door, hallway, turn, and any step from the curb to the install point. Check ceiling height if you plan a topper. Confirm the base footprint and anchor pattern against the floor type. Concrete is best. Wood or tile may need a plate, epoxy anchors, or a different spot. If the site is upstairs or tight, schedule extra hands and protection boards for floors. For an anchor template and mounting hardware guidance, contact the ATMTrader team.
How do I plan for cash loading and service access?
You need enough clearance to fully open the safe door and swing service panels without hitting walls or displays. The cash loader should be able to stage a cassette and work without blocking aisles. Place the unit where staff can keep eyes on it, but not where users feel watched at the keypad. If you would like a quick layout sketch based on your photos, contact ATMTrader support.
What should I have on the truck on install day?
Bring anchor bolts matched to the floor, a hammer drill with the right bit, level, vacuum, outlet tester, cable ties, extra receipt paper, topper hardware, a surge protector, and a spare network cable. Pack firmware and menu navigation instructions for your model so you can finish turn-up without calling back. If you want a prebuilt install kit checklist you can keep in the van, call our team.
What tests should I run before I leave the site?
Power cycle the unit, then run a test withdrawal on chip and swipe if supported, check fee disclosure, and print a receipt. Verify time and date, surcharge amount, and header text. Confirm remote monitoring sees the terminal online. If you installed a wireless router, check signal strength and confirm it auto-reconnects after a power pull. Photograph the final placement, cabling, and anchor points for your records. For a step-by-step turn-up sheet by processor, contact ATMTrader.
How do I reduce last-minute surprises that kill installs?
Do a pre-flight call 48 hours before arrival. Ask the merchant to send photos of the outlet, the floor, and the network jack. Confirm they cleared the space and understand drilling is required. If you rely on the store network, test that jack with a laptop before moving the ATM. If wireless is primary, do a quick signal test with your router in the exact spot. For a pre-flight script you can give to your dispatcher, contact the ATMTrader team.
What if the site fails power or network on the day of install?
Have a plan B. If power is present but the network is not, switch to a wireless router and finalize the install. If power is missing, set the base and anchors, then return with an electrician date on the calendar. Keep a simple trip fee policy in your location agreement so you are not eating costs for preventable misses. For a sample clause and a merchant-friendly email template, call our team.
Can you provide a one-page checklist I can send to every new location?
Yes. Our one-pager covers site photos, power spec, outlet distance, floor type, anchor approval, network choice, router placement, and test steps. It includes a signed confirmation line for the merchant so everyone is aligned. If you want the PDF and an editable version for your brand, contact the ATMTrader team.
Roll in bolt down go live
Great installs are boring in the best way. The ATM rolls in, anchors cleanly, passes power and network tests, and takes a live withdrawal on the first try. Do the prep once and reuse it for every site and your route will thank you. If you want the pre-install one-pager, the turn-up steps, and a ready parts list by model, contact the ATMTrader team and we will send everything you need.
